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Large crowd enjoy Heinrichs Forum

More than fifty coaches from Canberra and interstate attended a special forum...

More than fifty coaches from Canberra and interstate attended a special forum with a focus on Coaching Female Athletes and training girls and women to win at the AIS on Thursday evening. The forum was presented by FIFA Women's World Cup Champion and USA Olympic Gold Medal Coach April Heinrichs and Canberra United Coach and former Czech Republic national player Jitka Klimkova.

Guests included Matildas international coach Tom Sermanni and ACTAS Head Coach, and former Canberra United Coach, Ray Junna as well as former national players Anissa Tan and Leigh Wardell both from Sydney.

Despite the inclement and windy weather conditions the enthusiastic crowd gathered around to watch the Westfield W-League leaders Canberra United squad put through their paces in a series of drills. Heinrichs positivity and coaching style was quickly apparent with the United squad enjoying the session immensely.

After the practical demonstration on the outdoor synthetic pitch the group moved indoors to listen to Hienrichs and Klimkova give a special presentation on how to teach women and girls to win at football. After reviewing the session that took place outside, and answering a myriad of questions covering all angles of the game, the pair moved onto their presentation which focused on the ways in which coaches can improve their communication with female players and thus achieve a winning mentality.

A fascinating discussion, with ample time for questions and answers throughout the open forum, was finally halted at 9.30pm with the time restraints only bringing to an end what could have gone on for far longer.

“It was a fantastic evening and we are privileged to have been able to listen to two top coaches and role models discussing the game,” Capital Football CEO Heather Reid said. “There was a superb turnout from the Canberra football community and from much farther afield as many coaches took the opportunity to listen to a proven champion present this topic. I think we can make this an annual event and build on the format with other presenters.”

Capital Football would like to extend its thanks to April Heinrichs for agreeing to present this forum and look forward to doing more to promote females in coaching and coaching female athletes.